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Atlas Mech

An Atlas Mech is a powerful machine that's new to Mass Effect 3. They are used by Cerberus soldiers who pilot it from the inside. It is equipped with armor piercing missiles, a giant claw to incapacitate others, and an Element Zero core.

The Atlas Mech's main weakness is firing at the cockpit. If the pilot is killed and the mech is still in one piece, Commander Shepard can pilot the mech as a vehicle. They can also be taken down easily with missile launchers.

Note: You cannot hijack the first Atlas you encounter on Sur' Kesh, as well as a handful of others throughout the game, but most subsequent Atlas can be hijacked. To do this, you'll need a Sniper Rifle. The Atlas has powerful Shields and Armor. First, kill any nearby Combat Engineers since they will heal the Atlas if they are present.

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Video of an Atlas Mech Hijacking

All you need to do is keep shooting the cockpit until the yellow Armor bar drops to about the about half way point. At this point the cockpit glass will shatter. Line up a shot that targets the pilot, preferably in the head, and you can kill him, leaving the mech vulnerable.

Approach the mech and you will get a button prompt to allow you to take control.